Tag: gh4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9moYSueTJUQ
Here’s an update on what I am using for my 4K YouTube videos. If you want to get high quality videos, you may want to consider using a camera/camcorder with interchangeable lens capability.

Why?

So you can get a nice depth-of-field (blurred out background) in your shots and make your subject look super clear and crisp. Whether you are shooting outdoors or just gadgets indoors like me, you can all benefit from having the right camera gear.

My current 4K setup:

– Panasonic GH4 – This is probably one of the best 4K cameras out there right now, especially considering you can use your old Canon/Nikon lenses with an adapter or Metabones Speedbooster.

– Metabones Speedbooster for Canon – This allows me to use my old Canon EOS lenses on my GH4 and also bring down the F-stop/aperture by one full stop. It’s an awesome piece of hardware you must absolutely get if you have older DSLR lenses.

– Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 lens – This is the most versatile lens ever as you have nice range from 18-35mm at F1.8. Also you can focus on subjects up to 2-inches close, meaning you can get some real close-up shots without having a zoom lens.

My recommended setup for those of you just starting out with YouTube:

If you don’t want to spend more than $800 on equipment to get started out with YouTube but still make excellent 1080P videos, this is my recommendation:

– Canon T3i – You can buy the least expensive Canon body as the video on T3i, 60D, and 7D are practically identical. Don’t get it with the kit lens, they are worthless, buy the Canon 50mm F1.8 and Canon 24mm F2.8, those are the only two lenses you need to start out. I recommend T3i since it’s come with a swivel LCD while the older T2i doesn’t. You can also grab these much cheaper on eBay. For videos, you don’t need a brand, new camera.

You can also get Nikon cameras if you like Nikon brand or Sony or Samsung but I really like Canons because you can install aftermarket firmware like Magic Lantern to add new features like intervalometer, RAW videos, and much much more.

Current Microphone:

– Sennheiser G3 Wireless Microphones – These are the most advanced microphones that are wireless and also allow you to eliminate any camera noise as it has sound decibel controls for both receiver and transmitter.

Other Camera stuff:

–Manfrotto Tripod – I love Manfrotto tripods, they are sturdy and will get the job done.

– Manfrotto Fluid head – You definitely need a fluid head as it will make your moving shots super fluid.

– Softbox Lighting Kit – You need some good lighting for indoors, this is what I am using right now. Also grab LED bulbs as you will save 4 times more in electricity, I am using these at the moment.

Over my vacation to Asia, I have really fell deep into timelapse videos, especially how easy it is to do with a camera like the Panasonic GH4, which has a timelapse/stop-motion built-in. You can actually make a 4K video right from the camera.

Of course, post editing with After Effect should improve the timelapse videos greatly but since I did not have the time to really post process anything (as I am on vacation) I had to do everything on the camera. For future, I am definitely thinking of doing some HDR timelapse videos and perhaps invest in new camera equipment like a new Canon 6D or 5D Mark III.

Although my Panasonic GH4 does quite well, I feel like I do need a full-frame DSLR for the best timelapse videos. I will definitely work on that when I get back from my vacation next month but in the meanwhile, please do enjoy some of my favorite locations from South Korea in fast-moving timelapse action. These were taken in various places in Korea, mostly in Seoul including including Gangnam(강남), CheongGyeCheon(청계천), Hong Dae(홍대), Itaewon(이태원), Maebong(매봉역), and Chun Cheon(춘천).

Last week, I ordered a variable ND filter to try out some long exposure photography. Well, the variable ND filter wasn’t good enough as there were a lot of vignetting. So I ordered a 10-stop ND filter for my Canon 24mm F2.8 lens.

The results? I may not be a professional photographer but I think I did quite well for my first successful long exposure photos. Also, I did get to try out my new Sirui T-025X tripod, which is probably the smallest tripod in the world. I am lovin’ it because it folds down to just 11.8″ inches and only weight 1.7 pounds!

With slight wind in these photos, the Sirui tripod held up well I think. If you are thinking about getting a good tripod (that can support up to 11.8 pounds) that’s lightweight and small, I highly recommend it. I should also have a full review of it soon.

In the meanwhile, if you are a professional photographer, please do look at the originals (click on the photo) and do tell me what I can do to improve my long exposure photography.

By the way, I used F16 and shutter speed of 10-13 seconds for these photos using my 24mm F2.8 Canon lense + Speedbooster + Panasonic GH4.